Mitch Marner refused to sign a contract extension during the Toronto season

If Marner leaves the organization, the Leafs will have to find a replacement.

Because losing a winger who averages 95 points a season… that hurts any club.

But at this level, we shouldn’t necessarily expect the Leafs to break out the big cheques to go out and sign a big, quality player this summer.

And the reason is simple: according to Chris Johnston(The Chris Johnston Show), in the summer of 2026, the free agent class is truly exceptional.

McDavid, Panarin, Eichel, Kaprizov, Makar, Robertson, Connor… these guys will find themselves free as a bird if they haven’t signed a new contract by then :

Obviously, Marner’s case will be one of the most interesting to follow this summer.

He’s got a good case for going for a hefty salary-very hefty, in fact-because he’s one of the National Hockey League’s elite.

And especially in terms of salary, that’s going to slow down some clubs. Mathias Brunet (Processus), for example, would never give him a $14 million contract:

But whether in Montreal or not, the forward will break the bank because there’s a club that will pay for his services.

Again, he’s a great asset for a team looking to add skill and natural talent to its line-up, and he’s a proven performer in that regard. His play in the playoffs has often been criticized in the past, and it’s true… but that won’t stop him from getting a contract that will make him really rich.

Because, like it or not, 90+ point per season forwards aren’t a dime a dozen in the NHL.

Overtime

– That would be interesting – especially for Connor Bedard.

– T’sais, quand ça va bien… #Misère

– What a stop.

– Wow!